The Edmonton Eskimos are desperately trying to stay alive in the hunt to the make the CFL playoffs, but the club doesn't appear to be close to acquiring any new recruits before today's trade deadline.

With the cutoff arriving at 9:59 p.m. tonight, head coach Danny Maciocia isn't involved in heated talks with rival teams.

Of course, things can change with one phone call, but at the moment that phone on his office desk is very quiet.

"I haven't talked to anybody in the last day or two," said Maciocia late yesterday afternoon.

"Any time you trade you have to give up something. People sense that you are desperate out there. And they are willing to ask for the moon.

"You have got to be able to foresee beyond this week's game."

The 4-8 Esks are still four points behind Saskatchewan in the fight for the final playoff spot in the West Division with six games remaining.

Fortunately for the Green and Gold, they still play the Riders twice, including 12 days from now in Regina.

But the Esks have yet to win on the road this year in six tries.

After two days away from the field, Edmonton returns to practice today to prepare for a rematch with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night.

STILL WAITING: Don't expect to see any new faces from NFL training camps in Edmonton this week.

Although five spots have been added to CFL practice rosters this month, allowing teams to take a close look at import castoffs from south of the border, the Esks haven't made arrangements to fly anybody into the city.

NO WORD: A.J. Gass hasn't been reprimanded - as of yet - for kicking Brock Ralph at the end of last Saturday's game in Steeltown.

Gass was upset after Ralph allegedly dove at the knees of Eskimo rookie defensive end Adam Braidwood.

"I haven't heard anything from the league (head office) and the league knows where to reach us if they have something to tell us," continued Maciocia.

FINISH LINES: The injury problems continue to mount for Edmonton. After making seemingly countless roster moves so far this year, the coaching staff will likely have to replace two more Canadians on the active roster this week.

Special teams starters Will Loftus and Jason Nugent are doubtful for Friday night.

"I think (Nugent) may have nicked up that knee again," said Maciocia.

The rookie wasn't available for comment yesterday, but if he indeed suffered a knee injury, it would be an unfortunate setback.

The 24-year-old made his CFL debut last week after a long rehab assignment from a major ACL injury.